Hammers On Stone
by KOKOCAT

Comment:
7 - Met the Challenge. I really like the concept of this and the originality. Criticism; Although you get a 'first hand' perspective here with this angle, and it may be that it is most apt for the Challenge, I would like to see more of a front on angle showing what is being carved/etched/etc. There is too much 'arm' from this angle in my opinion. The top left gravel is too blown out and the lighting around the tone and tools is 'off'. I would like to see more detail in the work being carried out and perhaps even just the hands in the frame along with the 'material'. Perhaps even a b/w of this, not sure. Good originality and thinking to get this 'trade'.

Making Hay
by surfdabbler

Comment:
7 - Met the Challenge. I do like this composition and the concept and think it is very creative. I think the sepia? tone works well and of course really like the 'shaving curls'. Criticism; Those said shaving curls, if they were in super sharp focus, all of them, or perhaps at least the centre one, would make this a much better photograph in my opinion. I like the shadows that play with them and the detail in the grain both on them but especially on the wood they are sitting on and if you could have brought out that aspect more, for me would make this better. I like the 'distant' planes, but perhaps less (or just careful placement) of the shavings on them, so as not to detract from their detail, would make this a better photograph in my opinion. Also they are a little too 'blurred' in my opinion and they lose their definition (especially re this Challenge). Definitely would have been an 8 if at least 3 of those 'curls' were nice and sharp and a little 'nudge' here and there to get them perfectly in line. Good creativity.

Pliers
by bullethead

Comment:
8 - Met the Challenge. I like this composition and the use of the three simple colors. Criticism; In my opinion, those said three colors are having trouble with each other. The blue being so bold and dark, has forced the 'steel' to become washed out (though this may be your intent). Also the white base exasperates that. Just seems it is hard to find a 'balance' and 'blend' of the three colors. Aside from that, for me, this would be a better photograph if either the needle nosed pliers had their handle grip in the frame, or perhaps if three were uniform with them, ie no handle grip showing. It is simple and pleasing to the eye but my eye picks out that 'imperfection' to the symmetry. On the symmetry note, I like the 'right alignment'. For me, either really go all out on the 'washed outness' or give some sharpness to the 'heads/cutters/noses/pliers' and show the 'metal'.

Pencil and Paper
by danderson107

Comment:
7 - Met the Challenge (based on that IS a real drawing and her hands therefore are a tool also). I like this concept and also the composition. Criticism; I would like to see the shadow of the statue if that were possible. I like the b/w but do wonder (given the simplicity of the composition) how this would have worked in color, or even sepia, the b/w may be just a LITTLE 'washed out', not sure. For me, less of the artist and more of the 'subjects', would make this a better picture. By default that should also give more definition on the pencil?, which I would like to see. This photograph has a nice 'mood' to it and I like the lighting although I would like to see it a fraction darker. If the focus was on the drawing I think it would 'lift' it a little and make this a better photograph (not sure), in my opinion. Original.

A Shocking Profession
by kjennings

Comment:
7 - Met the Challenge (just - I see only the gloves and electricity cord as clear 'tools' (although admittedly I have no idea what those black 'switches' are & jury is out on the cable ties (semantics)), the others are material in my opinion). I like this concept and that you have taken advantage of the bright colors used in this field/trade. Criticism; For me this would be a better photograph if there was more sharpness on the colored objects and I am not sure if the lighting is indoor, but seems a touch 'yellow'. The composition is good and aside from a different angle (mainly closer) there might not be much more you can do to make the subject more 'unique'.

His Work and Glory
by acarn

Comment:
6 - Met the Challenge and it does seem that these are tools of a 'trade' (vs a hobby). I like the composition here and the natural light. Criticism; that said natural light is too harsh on the 'tools' and as they are on the white cloth?, it seems the camera has picked that up and 'blown out' the balance. For me, this would be a better photograph if it was 1/3 closer, perhaps a slightly more 'level' angle and if the tools were 'crisp' and detailed. I think that even a slight 'blur' on the books might make a good edge. By getting closer you would avoid having to worry about the 'darkness' behind the books, which is not working for the 'subject' in this picture in my opinion. On first 'impact' (rummage through the entries) I gave this a 7 based primarily on originality and composition. Down to 6 now I have scrutinized it a little closer and noted the impact of the lighting on the overall picture.

My 'Paintshop'
by barbaraanne

Comment:
7 - Met the Challenge (probably just - there are 2 'tools' here and a box of material in my opinion and as for the 'trade' aspect the jury is still out). I like the composition of this photo and the capture of the bold colors. Criticism; perhaps a slight 'tweaking' of those said colors, ie; the red looks a little orangeish (but that could be my monitor). If the smaller paintbrush tip were shown better and there was more of a 'focal point' somewhere in this picture, it would make this a better photograph in my opinion. Perhaps somehow showing the 'wet areas' too on the actual paints would make for an extra 'edge'.

horse trainer
by dragonlady

Comment:
8 - Met the Challenge. Not sure if these belong to a real horse trainer or not but either way it fits the challenge. The shot is very nice and clean. I like the b/w. Criticism; Maybe just sharper, a touch more 'contrast', not sure. The background works well and the 'scene' is just 'mellow'. I just noticed you cut off the tips of the straps with your frame, so maybe it might have been best to leave that off. Not sure how this would have worked in color (given the seemingly 'shrubby' background), but as I said, I do like it in b/w. Nice lighting at the top of the 'tools'.

Mid Day in the Garden of Good
by conglett

Comment:
8 - Met the Challenge. I like this shot and the perspective. Criticism; Whilst I would like to see a richer color on the spade?, it may blow the white out even more than it already is. I would like to see either the focus further down the handles or else a tighter crop. Perhaps just a sharp focus (or zoom) onto the tools, not sure. More attention to the placement of the tools perhaps, as the shadows could be played on more in my opinion. Creative though.

The Patchworker's Tools
by sandabella

Comment:
7 - Met the Challenge (just - the jury is out on the 'trade' aspect). I like this shot for its simplicity, colors and textures. Criticism; Although I just mentioned the colors, I do wonder how this would look in b/w. I would like to see a finer focus on the thimble as well. A slight 'rotate' maybe left, to straighten this up as it seems a little crooked to me, though I know the fabric is 'straight'. Maybe a lighter background or just a different color. Perhaps a mirror could have worked well here, not sure.
edit: sp

Message edited by author 2005-08-03 00:30:42.